ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways crosses 2 million mark in distribution of free meals
Meals distributed during lockdown due to COVID-19 at approximately 300 locations across the country
Indian Railway organizations team up to feed hot cooked meals and hope to thousands of people everyday
Distribution of free hot cooked meals by Indian Railways during the national lockdown due to COVID-19 crossed the two million mark today with a total of more than 20.5 lacs.
The global pandemic has created unprecedented situations leaving a large number of people vulnerable to hunger. Those worst hit by this pandemic and lockdown are stranded persons, daily wage labourers, migrants, children, coolies, homeless, the poor and many who form the floating population.
Indian Railways staff from a number of Railway organizations have worked tirelessly since 28th March 2020 to provide hot cooked meals to needy people after the lockdown due to COVID-19. Railways has been providing bulk cooked food with paper plates for lunch and food packets for dinner through IRCTC base kitchens, RPF resources and contribution of NGOs. While delivering the food to needy persons, social distancing and hygiene is being observed.
Distribution of food is being done with the help of RPF, GRP, commercial departments of Zones, State Governments, District administrations and NGOs, even beyond the station vicinity to cater to the food requirements of needy people in areas surrounding the railway stations.
With the active cooperation of IRCTC base kitchens in New Delhi, Bangalore, Hubli, Mumbai Central, Ahmedabad, Bhusaval, Howrah, Patna, Gaya, Ranchi, Katihar, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar, Balasore, Vijaywada, Khurda, Katpadi, Tiruchirapalli, Dhanbad, Guwahati, Samastipur, Prayagraj, Itarsi, Vishakhapatnam, Chengalpatu, Pune, Hajipur, Raipur and Tatanagar spread over various zones such as Northern, Western, Eastern, Southern and South Central, more than 20.5.lacs cooked meals have been distributed till today 20th April 2020.
Of these, about 11.6 lacs cooked meals have been provided by IRCTC, about 3.6 lacs meals have been provided by RPF from its own resources, about 1.5 lacs meals have been provided by Commercial and other departments of Railways and nearly 3.8 lacs meals have been donated by NGOs working with the Railway organizations.
The Railway Protection Force has played a major role in the food distribution to needy people prepared by IRCTC, other Railway departments, NGOs and from its own kitchens. Starting with distribution of food to 5419 needy persons over 74 locations on 28.03.2020, the number has grown daily. Presently about 50000 persons daily are being provided meals on an average by RPF across approximately 300 locations across the country.
In order to help as many people as possible, Indian Railway organizations have teamed up to feed hot cooked meals and hope to thousands of people everyday.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves creation of the post of Vice Chancellor for National Rail & Transport Institute  set up in Vadodara, Gujarat
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved creation of the post of Vice Chancellor for India's first rail and transportation university, National Rail & Transport Institute .
The Vice-Chancellor shall be the Principal Executive Officer of the institution and shall exercise general supervision and control over the affairs of the institution and shall be mainly responsible for implementation of the decisions of all the authorities of the Institution deemed to be University.
NRTI opened its doors to the first batch of 103 students from 20 states of India, in two fully-residential undergraduate courses - BSc. in Transportation Technology and DBA in Transportation Management, the classes for which started from 5thSeptember, 2018. These three-year degree programs have interdisciplinary curricula, benchmarked with leading institutions in the world, consisting of foundation, core and elective courses.
NRTI seeks to forge collaboration with leading international institutions in the areas of Joint research and faculty and student exchange. Memoranda of Agreement have been signed by NRTI with Cornell University, USA; University of California, Berkeley; MIIT, Moscow and St. Petersburg Transport University, Russia so far.
Background:
A vision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, NRTI is focused on transport-related education, multidisciplinary research and training. It was established as a Deemed to be University under the de Novo category in 2018 to create a resource pool of best-in-class professionals for the railway and transportation sector.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to inaugurate 11 new medical colleges in Tamil Nadu and new campus of Central Institute of Classical Tamil on 12th January
New medical colleges to increase MBBS seats by 1450 - in line with the PM's constant endeavour to promote affordable medical education and improve health infrastructure all across country
New campus of Central Institute of Classical Tamil - fully funded by Union Government - to play important role in preserving and promoting classical Tamil language
In line with PM’s vision to protect and preserve Indian heritage and promote classical languages
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate 11 New Government Medical Colleges across Tamil Nadu and the new campus of Central Institute of Classical Tamil in Chennai, on 12th January, 2022 at 4 PM via video conferencing.
The new medical colleges are being established at an estimated cost of about Rs 4000 crore, out of which around Rs 2145 crore has been provided by the Union government and rest by the Tamil Nadu government. The districts in which the new Medical Colleges are being established are Virudhunagar, Namakkal, The Nilgiris, Tiruppur, Thiruvallur, Nagapattinam, Dindigul, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Ramanathapuram and Krishnagiri. Establishment of these medical colleges is in line with the Prime Minister's constant endeavour to promote affordable medical education and improve health infrastructure in all parts of the country. The new medical colleges, with cumulative capacity of 1450 seats, are being established under the Centrally Sponsored scheme of ’Establishing of New Medical Colleges attached with existing district/referral hospital’. Under the scheme, medical colleges are established in districts, which do not have either a government or private medical college.
The establishment of a new campus of Central Institute of Classical Tamil  in Chennai is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision to protect and preserve Indian heritage and promote classical languages. The new campus is fully funded by the Union Government and is built at a cost of Rs 24 Crore. CICT, which was operating from a rented building so far, will now operate from a new 3 storey campus. The new campus is equipped with a spacious library, an e-library, seminar halls and a multimedia hall.
An autonomous organization under the Union Ministry of Education, CICT is contributing to the promotion of classical Tamil by doing research activities so as to establish the ancientness and uniqueness of Tamil language. The institute library has a rich collection of over 45,000 ancient Tamil Books. To promote classical Tamil and support its students, the Institute indulges in academic activities like holding seminars and training programmes, granting fellowship etc. It also aims to translate and publish ‘Thirukkural’ in various Indian as well as 100 foreign languages. The new campus will provide an efficient working environment for the institute in its pursuit of promoting classical Tamil across the world.
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN NAVAL PLACEMENT AGENCY AND L&T SIGN MOU TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESETTLEMENT OF NAVY EX-SERVICEMEN
The Indian Naval Placement Agency  and L&T Shipbuilding , L&T’s shipbuilding arm, today signed an MoU to explore opportunities for the recruitment of naval Ex-Servicemen at LTSB. VAdm Suraj Berry, Controller of Personnel Services, Indian Navy and Mr Ashok Kumar Khetan, Head Shipbuilding Business L&T signed the MoU in the presence of Senior Officials from the Indian Navy and L&T.
Through the MoU, INPA will identify a pool of technical Ex-Servicemen for relevant roles as per recruitment standards of L&T. The company will, in turn, enable these individuals to transition to the corporate sector through in-house assimilation and training programs.
Commenting on this occasion, Mr Jayant D Patil, Whole Time Director  and Member of L&T Board said, “We have been trusted partner to Naval indigenisation plans since the mid-eighties having designed and developed a bouquet of Weapon Systems, Engineering Equipment and Systems, range of Control systems such as IPMS, IBS, APMS, etc., and Life Support and Logistics systems. We are delighted to formalize our partnership with the Navy through the signing of this MOU with INPA. This would ease and facilitate the recruitment of some of the most experienced Navy professionals into L&T and enable L&T to serve the Navy better through a mutually beneficial relationship.
L&T under the aegis of its diversity inclusion initiative aims to offer ex-servicemen with a technical background, opportunities in line with their qualifications, experience and attributes acquired during their service period. This diverse set of experiences, perspectives and background are crucial to the innovation and development of new ideas. This initiative of LTSB stems from the company’s vision of breaking new grounds to allow diversity and inclusion to take deeper roots across all its verticals.
In his concluding remarks, Vice Admiral Suraj Berry said that “The INPA is committed to facilitating Ex-Servicemen, to find employment opportunities after their service to our Nation”. He further stated that it was the endeavour of IN to work with the corporate sector to identify and develop programs that enable experienced personnel to contribute to nation-building and become truly AatmaNirbhar in all sectors. We look forward to working with LTSB on this initiative”.
Prime Minister's Office
PM invites citizens to share their ideas for Mann ki Baat on 24th October 2021
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has called citizens to share their ideas for 82nd episode of Mann ki Baat which will take place on Sunday, 24th October 2021. Ideas for Mann ki Baat can be shared on NaMo App, MyGov or record your message on 1800-11-7800.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"This month, the #MannKiBaat programme will take place on the 24th. I invite you all to share your ideas for this month’s episode. Write on the NaMo App, @mygovindia or dial 1800-11-7800 to record your message. https://t.co/QjCz2bvaKg"
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Skills Build Platform
Skills Build is a digital platform developed by IBM enabling holistic learning and aligning it with Skills India initiative by Government of India. India is the 4th country where this Skills Build platform has been launched on 4th Nov’19, in alliance with the Directorate General of Training , Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship , after being launched in UK, Germany and France.
It will be accessible online through bharat skills  – a Learning Management System for ITI/NSTI Students and Teachers) and free to use.
Skill Build will focus on personalised coaching and experiential learning and will help develop the skills required to join the workforce in these “New Collar” roles. Also bring untapped talent to the fore, opening roles to individuals often excluded from the labour market due to disadvantaged backgrounds, or because of lack of knowledge, skill or experience that has seen them become under-employed or unemployed.
As part of the programme, a two-year advanced diploma in Information Technology , Networking and Cloud computing will be offered at the Industrial Training Institutes  and the National Skill Training Institutes . The platform will also be extended to train ITI and NSTI faculty in basic Artificial Intelligence  Skills.
This Skill Build platform will also provide personal assessment for cognitive capabilities and personality via MyInnerGenius to youths/students. They will learn basics about digital technologies as well as professional skills like resume writing, problem solving and communication. Youths/Students will also be received recommendations on role-based education for specific jobs that include technical and professional learning. Also it will be collaborated with other Indian and global partners.
IBM has agreed for the placement support for some of the students/youths those who are completing the two-year advanced diploma in IT, Networking and Cloud computing course in IBM/through its channel partners based on merits.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri R.K. Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
During Lockdown EPFO Settles about 13 Lakh Claims Including 7.40 Lakh COVID-19 Claims Under PMGKY Package
Keeping up the momentum speedier EPF disbursal during Lockdown, Employees' Provident Fund Organization , under Union Ministry of Labour & Employment, has settled a total of 12.91 lakhs claims, including 7.40 lakhs COVID-19 claims under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana  package. This involves disbursal of a total amount of Rs. 4684.52 crores which includes Rs. 2367.65 crores COVID claims under PMGKY package.
It is heartening to note that the exempted PF trusts have also risen to the occasion amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As on 27.04.2020, Rs. 875.52 crores have been disbursed to 79,743 PF Members as advance for COVID-19 by the exempted PF Trusts under this Scheme, with 222 private sector establishments disbursing Rs.338.23 crores to 54641 beneficiaries, 76 public sector establishments disbursing Rs.524.75 crores to 24178 beneficiaries and 23 cooperative sector establishments disbursing Rs.12.54 crores to 924 claimants.
M/s Tata Consultancy Services Mumbai, M/s HCL Technologies Ltd. Gurugramand M/s HDFC Bank Powai, Mumbai are the top three exempted establishments in private sector, both in terms of “number of claims settled and “amount disbursed”. In public sector, M/s ONGC Dehradun, M/s Neyveli Lignite Corporation Neyveli and M/s BHEL Trichyare the top 3 exempted establishments to have settled maximum number of COVID-19 advance claims; whereas, M/s Neyveli Lignite Corporation Neyveli, M/s ONGC Dehradun and M/s Vishakhapatnam Steel Plant Vishakhapatnam are top three establishments in terms of amount disbursed to EPF members.
The provision for a special withdrawal from the EPF Scheme to fight Covid-19 pandemic is part of the PMGKY scheme announced by the government and an urgent notification on the matter was made to introduce a para 68 L  of the EPF Scheme on 28th March, 2020. Under this provision non-refundable withdrawal to the extent of the basic wages and dearness allowances for three months or up to 75% of the amount standing to member's credit in the EPF account, whichever is less, is provided.
Despite only one-third staff being able to work due to lockdown, EPFO is committed to serve its members during this difficult situation and EPFO offices are functional to help them during these testing times.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh tests COVID-19 positive
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has been tested positive for COVID-19. He was scheduled to attend the Indian Air Force Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi on April 20, 2023, but had to skip it after being tested positive for the virus.
The Raksha Mantri is currently under home quarantine with mild symptoms. A team of doctors examined him and has advised him rest.
ABB/Savvy
(Visitor Counter : 981
Department of Atomic Energy
Malware in NPCIL system isolated, critical plant systems not affected
Identification of malware in Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited  system is correct. The matter was conveyed by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team  when it was noticed by them on September 4, 2019.
The matter was immediately investigated by the Department of Atomic Energy  specialists. The investigation revealed that the infected PC belonged to a user who was connected in the internet connected network used for administrative purposes. This is isolated from the critical internal network. The networks are being continuously monitored.
Investigation also confirms that the plant systems are not affected.
Ministry of Railways
Cabinet apprised of the MoU between India and Republic of Korea on the cooperation in the field of railways
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding  on the cooperation between Research Designs and Standards Organisation , India and Republic of Korea Railroad Research Institute  to strengthen and promote scientific and technical cooperation in the field of railways. The MoU was signedon 10thJuly 2018.
Impact:
The MoU will provide a platform for Indian Railways to interact and share the latest developments and knowledge in the railway sector with its Korean counterpart. It will facilitate exchange of technical experts, reports and technical documents, training and seminars/ workshops focusing on specific technology areas and other interactions for knowledge sharing.
Details:
The MoU will provide a framework of cooperation for focused approach in following key areas:-
- Planning and execution of Joint research for the mutual interests;
- Co-operation in setting up of latest railway R&D facilities in India;
- Planning and execution of Technical seminar or forum;
- Short Term Training Programme for RDSO personnel by KRRI;
- Exchange Programme of Personnel between KRRI & RDSO for limited period, for specific Projects;
- Consultancy for the development of railway industry of both the countries; and
- Any other form of cooperative activities agreed upon by the Parties.
Background:
Ministry of Railways have signed MoUs for technical cooperation in the Rail sector with various foreign Governments and National Railways. The identified areas of cooperation include high speed corridors, speed raising of existing routes, development of world class stations, heavy haul operations and modernization of rail infrastructure, etc. The cooperation is achieved through exchange of information on developments in areas of railways technology & operations, knowledge sharing, technical visits, training & seminars and workshops in areas of mutual interest.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Integrated Goods and Services Tax  Bill, 2017
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the promulgation of the Integrated Goods and Services Tax  Ordinance, 2017 and replacement of the Ordinance by the Integrated Goods and Services Tax  Bill, 2017.
The Ordinance has extended the provisions of the Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 referred to as  to the State of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Ordinance has been promulgated on 8th July, 2017 and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax  Bill, 2017 will be tabled in the current session of the Parliament.
Ministry of Home Affairs
CONVICTION RATE
As per data maintained by National Crime Record Bureau, the conviction rate of States/UTs relating to cognizable crime under Indian Penal Code  and Special & Local Laws  crimes during 2018, 2019 and 2020 is 66.6, 66.4 and 73.4 respectively.
“Police” is a State subject falling in List-II  of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. It is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments/UT Administrations to make the police force efficient & capable and its functioning more effective, transparent and accountable.
Government has taken several steps on Police reforms which is an ongoing process. The Centre also issues advisories to the States to bring in the requisite reforms in the Police to meet the expectations of the people.
The Ministry of Home Affairs circulated Model Police Act, 2006 to all State Governments which has a provision of constituting Police Accountability Commission & District Accountability Authority for ensuring accountability of the police including display of good behaviour with members of public with due courtesy and decorum.
In order to improve the functioning of the police, the Union Government has set up various Commissions/Committees on police reforms, including a Review Committee to review the recommendations of the previous Commissions and Committees. The Review Committee shortlisted 49 recommendations. These recommendations have been sent to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for taking appropriate action.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has included a component of “incentives for police reforms” in the implementation structure of the scheme of “Assistance to States for Modernisation of Police”. For this purpose, originally a provision of keeping up to 10% of the total annual allocation of the scheme was made. This incentive component has been increased to ‘up to 20%’ of the total allocation from the year 2019-20.
In order to facilitate police in States/UTs with a common IT platform for filing reports, investigation, collecting and sharing information on crimes and criminals at national level, the MHA has implemented Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems  in all police stations. CCTNS has been integrated through Inter-operable Criminal Justice System  to facilitate use of information on crime and criminals in CCTNS with other databases on prisons, prosecution, forensics and courts in a holistic manner for administration of criminal justice.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves administrative arrangement on Cooperation in the field of Railways between the Ministry of Railways, India and the Directorate General for Mobility and Transport of the European Commission
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved administrative arrangement on Cooperation in the field of Railways between the Ministry of Railways, India and the Directorate General for Mobility and Transport of the European Commission to strengthen future technical exchanges and cooperation.
Implementation Strategy and targets
The Administrative arrangement has been signed on 3rd September, 2019. This Administrative Arrangement will provide a framework of cooperation for focused approved in following key areas:-
- Rail Reform and Regulations with particular emphasis on impact of EU legislative framework on safety, interoperability, economic governance and financial sustainability of Railways;
- Railway Safety;
- The benefits of standardisation as well as harmonized conformity assessment and procurement procedures for economic performance of Railways;
- Signalling/control systems ;
- Intermodality and transport infrastructure networks;
- Innovation and digitalisation;
- Experience sharing in respect of international rail conventions and standardisation bodies;
- Sustainable policies in railway including economic, social and environmental aspects.
Background
Ministry of Railways have signed MoU/MoCs for technical cooperation in the rail sector with various foreign Governments and National Railways in respect of identified areas of cooperation, which, inter alia, include high speed rail, speed raising of existing routes, development of world class stations, heavy haul operations and modernization of rail infrastructure etc. The cooperation is achieved through exchange of information in respect of developments in railway technology and operations, knowledge sharing, technical visits, training & seminars and workshops in areas of mutual interest.
The MoUs/MoCs provide a platform for signatories to interact and share the latest developments and knowledge in the railway sector and thereby facilitate exchange of technical experts, reports and technical documents, training and seminars/workshops focusing on specific technology areas and other interactions for knowledge sharing.